Previously on We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?...
Xiao Mo visits Qin Mujiu, who gives him a mask and a clay figurine, feeling a strange familiarity with them. Meanwhile, Bai Ruxue returns, discussing plans with Daqing about the demon-race world and their relationship with Qin Mujiu. Daqing questions Bai Ruxue's hidden identity and why she must avoid contact with Xiao Mo, fearing a celestial threat.
"Xiao Mo, this gift is for you."
"In the days ahead, when you gaze upon this little clay figurine, consider it as gazing upon me."
"Just speak to this figurine and tell me you wish to see me, and I shall appear before you, alright~"
On the bustling streets of the imperial capital, a young girl stood before a young boy, her eyes forming crescent moons as she imparted her words.
......
"General, retreat!"
"Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry! Stay close to the General!"
"We swear our lives to protect the General!"
"We shall perish with the General!"
Across a vast plain blanketed with fallen bodies, a man wielding a silver-white long spear and concealed by an asura mask had shattered a grand spell formation and vanquished the ruler of Qi. Just as the Qin army believed the grueling battle was concluding—they had not anticipated the enemy would harness the battlefield's carnage and the lingering spirits of a million fallen warriors as a sacrificial offering. This empowered another immense spell formation, ensnaring the leading commander within its grasp, expending all their might to ensure his demise. Yet, the man remained undaunted.
"If I cannot break free from this formation, then I shall shatter it myself!"
The fierce combat raged until its bitter end. The man fractured the formation, but in doing so, he too met his end within its confines. Nevertheless, even in his dying moments, the man employed his very life force to shield the small clay figurine cradled in his arms.
......
Within the Hall of Nourishing the Heart, upon a grand bed.
Xiao Mo's eyes suddenly flew open.
As Xiao Mo regained his composure and surveyed his surroundings, the realization that it had merely been a dream washed over him. He exhaled a sigh of relief. He then rose from the bed, his gaze falling upon the mask and the clay figurine placed beneath the table. He attempted to revisit the dream in his mind.
However, the dream had dissipated like a stone cast into water—once the ripples subsided, the stone vanished without a trace. Despite his earnest efforts to recall, not a single detail could be retrieved. Only the lingering, disquieting chill of death and a profound sense of guilt towards the departed man remained.
"It seems our waking thoughts manifest in our dreams."
Xiao Mo shook his head, abandoning the pursuit of the now-fading dream. He retrieved a box. After Spring Swallow [N O V E L I G H T] carefully packed the small clay figurine and the mask within, he departed from the sleeping chambers. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a blood-red glow across the sky, resembling an immortal maiden splashing ink, imbuing every structure within the palace with a deep crimson hue. As Xiao Mo gazed out, only a sliver of the dying sun was visible at the very edge of the horizon.
Earlier that day, Xiao Mo had risen with the dawn, accompanied the two consorts to pay respects to Empress Dowager Yan, and subsequently visited Qin Siyao's sleeping quarters. Upon returning to the palace, Xiao Mo had reclined for a nap—and slept soundly until this very moment.
"Your Majesty, the evening meal is almost prepared. Tonight... to which noble consort's palace will Your Majesty grace us with your presence?"
Sili approached Xiao Mo, inquiring in a hushed tone.
"Dine" was merely a polite term. In reality, the location where he concluded his meal determined where he would spend the night.
"Come. We shall proceed to the Hall of Congealed Snow."
Xiao Mo pondered for a moment, then declared, promptly striding out of the palace. Xiao Mo mused that if the two consorts he had wedded were ordinary women, he would undoubtedly have gone to the Hall of Holding Wine tonight to appease Consort Mu. However, his two consorts were far from ordinary, and he had also spent the previous night within the Hall of Nourishing the Heart. Therefore, there was no question of "appeasement."
Instead, he was inclined to visit Yan Ruxue's abode and ascertain her perspective on the events of the previous night.
......
"His Majesty has arrived!"
In less than the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, Sili's voice resonated within the Hall of Congealed Snow. The palace maids within the Hall of Congealed Snow, upon hearing of His Majesty's arrival, promptly lined themselves on either side of the main entrance, lowering themselves in deference. Along the central pathway preceding the hall, Bai Ruxue proceeded towards Xiao Mo, her demeanor composed and unhurried. Upon reaching him, she executed a graceful curtsy.
"This consort greets Your Majesty..."
"Tonight, I wish to share the evening meal with my beloved consort. Is that acceptable?"
Picking Bai Ruxue up, Xiao Mo inquired with a smile.
"Your Majesty, what is this jest? This consort is overjoyed to partake in a meal with Your Majesty—how could it possibly be a cause for concern?"
Bai Ruxue smiled, then addressed a waiting maid. "Proceed to the imperial kitchens. Have them deliver the evening repast here."
"Yes, Your Consort."
The maid bowed hastily and departed the sleeping chambers with light, buoyant steps, her heart filled with joy. In her estimation, His Majesty spending two consecutive nights in the Hall of Congealed Snow signified that her lady held a far greater place in His Majesty's heart than that Qin princess.
"Your Majesty, the night air is chilly, and the wind bites. Please step inside."
Bai Ruxue offered with a gentle smile.
"Mm."
Xiao Mo offered a nod, proceeding to follow Bai Ruxue inside the chamber.
The room Bai Ruxue occupied remained adorned as a bridal chamber, just as it was on the previous night.
According to the customs of the Great Zhou dynasty, such decorations were typically left in place for half a month.
“Your Majesty, please be seated.”
Bai Ruxue courteously gestured for Xiao Mo to take a seat, then poured him a cup of tea before settling beside him. Her gaze met his, filled with a gentle composure.
“There are certain matters—the National Preceptor Jiang and Consort Mu have likely already apprised Your Majesty of them.”
A subtle smile played on Bai Ruxue’s lips as she initiated the conversation.
“This consort is aware that Your Majesty harbors many questions.
However, please be assured, Your Majesty. This consort harbors no intentions of harming Your Majesty, nor any desire to betray the Great Zhou. What this consort seeks… is of no use to Your Majesty.”
As she spoke, Bai Ruxue looked intently at Xiao Mo.
“Once this consort attains what she desires, she will depart. Until then, should Your Majesty wish to reclaim greater authority, this consort is willing to assist.”
“That will not be required. As for court affairs, I am capable of managing them myself. I shall not trouble Yan Ruxue,”
Xiao Mo replied, shaking his head as he declined her offer.
From Xiao Mo's perspective, possessing the Book of a Hundred Lives already granted him benefits through experiencing life itself.
Furthermore, after undergoing several rounds of marrow cleansing and body tempering, both his spiritual root and physique had seen considerable improvement.
His cultivation had also progressed without a hitch thus far.
Moreover, there remained a number of loyal ministers at court, deeply devoted to the Xiao imperial clan.
The restoration of proper governance and the cleansing of the court seemed within his reach.
And presently, Yan Ruxue's true identity remained uncertain. Should he accept her assistance now, only for her side to make demands later, it would only lead to greater complications.
Upon hearing Xiao Mo's refusal, Bai Ruxue offered no further words, merely acknowledging his decision with a soft smile.
Not long after, the evening meal was presented. Bai Ruxue attended to Xiao Mo as he dined.
Following the meal, Bai Ruxue again attended to him as he prepared to wash up.
The two conducted themselves like a genuine married couple—showing courtesy and restraint, treating each other with mutual respect.
“Your Majesty should remain here tonight,”
Bai Ruxue suggested.
“Within this consort’s Hall of Congealed Snow, Empress Dowager Yan has planted numerous informants. Should Your Majesty depart again tonight, it might raise suspicion.”
“If the lady does not object, then I naturally have no problem with it,”
Xiao Mo responded. Gazing at Bai Ruxue’s gentle and elegant demeanor, and recalling their previous encounters, a quiet sense of emotion stirred within his chest.
“Does Your Majesty have something weighing on your mind?” Bai Ruxue inquired.
“It’s not so much concern as it is a question,”
Xiao Mo let out a soft sigh.
“I wonder if the lady would be willing to provide an answer.”
Bai Ruxue inclined her head lightly. “Your Majesty may ask.”
“From the very first moment I encountered you, lady, up until this very moment—on which specific day was the version of you that I met the true one?”
Xiao Mo raised his head, his gaze fixed directly on hers as he awaited her reply.
Hearing the question posed by the man she cared for, the woman’s expression faltered for a brief moment. Then, her eyes curved into delicate crescents.
Her peach-blossom eyes met Xiao Mo’s, their tenderness seeming to blend with the soft light of the moon and the flickering candle flame.
